General Membership Requirements for Scottish Rite

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FAQs

What does it cost to take the Scottish Rite Degrees?
Generally speaking, the cost of securing the fourth to Thirty-second Degrees, inclusive, ranges from $125.00 to $200.00. Fees are established for each body in a Valley. For instance, on a $150.00 basis, a Valley might charge $40.00 for Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°); $25.00 for Council, Princes of Jerusalem (15°-16°); $25.00 for Chapter of Rose Croix (17°-18°) and $60.00 for Consistory (19°-32°). Dues are nominal. Minimum fees and dues have been established by the Supreme Council, but states and Valleys have the right to increase such fees and dues as needs indicate. Valley dues statements may include or add a Supreme Council Assessment of $2.00 annually.

What Masonic status is required?
Membership in good standing in a regular Symbolic Lodge is the only Masonic status required for the purpose of petitioning for the Scottish Rite.

Must I be invited to join Scottish Rite?
As a Master Mason in good standing, you are encouraged heartily to apply for membership in the Rite without awaiting a specific invitation. You may ask a Scottish Rite friend for a petition form or contact the nearest Scottish Rite Secretary for an application or further information.

What are the requirements of residence?
No subordinate body of the Rite may elect any candidate unless he is, at the time, an affiliated Master Mason in good standing and has resided in the state one year and in the local jurisdiction ( valley area ) for six months. Scottish Rite law, however, does provide for the possibility of waiving the usual residence requirements upon the presentation of valid reasons.

Can Scottish Rite membership be divided?
Primary Scottish Rite membership shall not be divided but shall be with the bodies on one Valley so far as opportunity exists.

Are there any regulations as to physical conditions?
Physical impairment shall not be considered a disqualification from receiving the degrees of the Rite.

What is the attitude of the Northern Jurisdiction with respect to religion?
Like the Symbolic Craft, Scottish Rite does not seek to intrude upon the prerogatives of the Church nor does it attempt to teach any creed. Scottish Rite is not a religion and does not pretend to be a substitute for religion. Its rituals do not hold out the hope of heavenly rewards.

The Rite does require that its adherents profess a monotheistic belief in Almighty God and encourages its members to become active participants in their respective churches. The Fraternity is a meeting place for Christians, Hebrews, Moslems, Parsees and any other believers in a monotheistic faith, As such, it has become the handmaiden of religion. To inject or discuss religious creeds could only be divisive.

Scottish Rite does seek to teach its members a system of morality and thereby develop in our brethren virtues and character which make men worth while.

What is the attitude of the Northern Jurisdiction with respect to politics?
The position of the Northern Jurisdiction has been fully set forth in a Declaration of Principles adopted in 1923 and reaffirmed in 1929, 1934, 1938, and 1969. The concluding paragraphs of this Declaration read:

This Supreme Council further affirms its conviction that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but exceedingly dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness, and welfare for Masonic Bodies in their official capacity to take formal action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any particular legislative project or proposal, or in any way to attempt to procure the election or appointment of governmental officials, whether executive, legislative, or judicial, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties.

The leadership of the Northern Supreme Council stands squarely behind the foregoing statement and forbids the use of Scottish Rite publications or mailing lists for the circulation of messages of a political nature.

Is the Character of Petitioners Investigated?
Each subordinate body has the right to inquire into the character and Masonic standing of each applicant through the use of investigating or membership committees.

Are Candidates Balloted Upon?
No person shall receive the degrees of the Rite or be elected to membership by affiliation without the unanimous consent of the Brethren voting thereon.